Correcting mechanism for hybrid display timepiece

Abstract

A timepiece having both analog and digital display includes a single stem operated correcting mechanism which adjusts each display independently. A correcting pinion, slidably mounted on a winding stem, provides for engagement at both ends thereof. In a first axial position of the winding stem, one end of the pinion engages a wheel train for correcting the analog display when the stem is rotated. In a second axial position of the winding stem, the correcting pinion engages a spring biased cam whereby electrical switches are intermittently opened and closed when the stem is rotated for correcting the digital display. Advancement or retardation of the displays depends on the direction of stem rotation.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A correcting mechanism for a hybrid display timepiece including both an analog display and digital display, comprising: a shaft mounted for rotation, and for translation in the directions of the longitudinal axis of said shaft;   first actuatable means for correcting said digital display;   second actuatable means for correcting said analog display;   a correcting member, said correcting member being slidably mounted on said shaft and for rotation therewith, said correcting member having a first portion adapted to actuate said first means for correcting said digital display and a second portion adapted for actuating said second means for correcting said analog display;   means cooperating with said shaft for translatting said correcting member, when said shaft translates, whereby said correcting member is selectively positioned to engage one of said first and second means for actuating.   
     
     
       2. A correcting mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second portion of said correcting member includes a toothed gear, and said second actuatable means for correcting said analog display includes a correcting wheel train connected with analog display members, said toothed gear engaging said correcting wheel train when said correcting member is selectively positioned to engage said second means for actuating. 
     
     
       3. A correcting mechanism as claimed in claim 2, wherein rotation of said shaft causes rotation of said toothed gear and, when engaged, said correcting wheel train, whereby said analog display is corrected. 
     
     
       4. A correcting mechanism as claimed in claim 3, wherein the direction of rotation of said gear train depends upon the rotational direction of said shaft. 
     
     
       5. A correcting mechanism as claimed in claim 1 or 3, wherein said first portion of said correcting member includes at least one pawl, and said actuatable means for correcting said digital display includes cam means, said at least one pawl engaging said cam means when said correcting member is selectively positioned to engage said first means for actuating. 
     
     
       6. A correcting mechanism as claimed in claim 5, wherein rotation of said shaft causes rotation of said at least one pawl and, when engaged, said cam means is driven by said at least one pawl. 
     
     
       7. A correcting mechanism as claimed in claim 6, wherein said cam means when driven, pivots about an axis, and the direction of rotation of said cam means about said cam axis depends upon the rotational direction of said shaft. 
     
     
       8. A correcting mechanism as claimed in claim 7, wherein said cam means includes a first electrical contact, and said second means for correcting said analog display includes a plurality of electrical contacts, said cam means when pivoted in one direction causing an electrical connection between said first cam contact and one of said plurality of contacts of said second means for correcting, said cam means when pivoted in the other direction contacting another one of said plurality of contacts in said second actuatable means for correcting said analog display, whereby said analog display means may have two modes of operation when said stem is turned, said mode of operation depending upon the rotational direction of said shaft. 
     
     
       9. A correcting mechanism as claimed in claim 8, and further comprising a return spring, and wherein said cam means rotates about said cam means axis in opposition to the force of said return spring. 
     
     
       10. A correcting mechanism as claimed in claim 9, wherein said cam means is contoured to cause said cam means to oscillate about said cam means axis when said shaft is continuously rotated, said connections between said first electrical contact on said cam means and said connections on said second means for correcting said analog display are intermittently opened and closed, whereby repetitive corrections are made to said analog display. 
     
     
       11. A correcting mechanism as claimed in claim 10, wherein said shaft is adaptable for translation to a neutral position, said correction member being disengaged from both said first and second means for actuating when said shaft is in said neutral position, whereby rotation of said shaft in said neutral position causes no correction to said analog and digital displays. 
     
     
       12. A correcting mechanism as claimed in claim 11, wherein said plurality of electrical contacts in said second means for correcting said analog display are on a circuit board, said contact of said cam means being continuously pressed against said circuit board, said contacts on said circuit board forming patterns covering a portion of the surface of said circuit board, said connections between said first cam means contact and said circuit board patterns, being made only when said shaft is positioned to engage said second actuatable means and is rotated. 
     
     
       13. A correcting mechanism as claimed in claim 5, and further comprising a return spring, and wherein said cam means rotates about said cam means axis in opposition to the force of said return spring. 
     
     
       14. A correcting mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said selected and engaged means for actuating is activated by rotation of said shaft. 
     
     
       15. A correcting mechanism as claimed in claim 14, wherein said shaft is adaptable for translation to a neutral position, said correcting member being disengaged from both said first and second means for actuating when said shaft is in said neutral position, whereby rotation of said shaft in said neutral position causes no correction to said analog and digital displays. 
     
     
       16. A correcting mechanism as claimed in claim 11, wherein said at least one pawl and said cam are partially engaged in said neutral position, rotation of said shaft causing the performance of an additional function, said additional function being independent of correction of said displays.